Brush fire ignites off I-5 in Red Bluff after utility lines fall

Red Bluff >> A small brush fire ignited Wednesday afternoon on the west side of Interstate 5 near Antelope Boulevard in Red Bluff after utility lines fell across the freeway, snarling traffic for about two hours.

About 4 p.m. officials blocked north and southbound I-5 traffic near the Antelope Boulevard overpass as utility lines reportedly fell across all lanes, the southbound off ramp and northbound on ramp. Firefighters knocked down the blaze about 4:15 p.m.

I-5 traffic in the area was diverted through Red Bluff, causing backups on South Main and Main streets as motorists found alternate routes.